Proverbs 31 Woman
NOTE: Let me start off by saying this. These next few devotionals are sensitive topics in today’s society. Nevertheless, it is imperative that it be discussed. With that being said, the information will be rooted or confirmed in scriptures, The Word of God. I may also use statistical facts, from reliable sources (psychology, science, and other credible resources) to explain certain aspects of these devotionals. For the next several weeks, we will be discussing marriage. To do this, we must start where it all started, with a man and a woman. Each devotional in this BLUEPRINT series will be working its way up to the key to a successful, happy marriage by breaking down its components, just as Jesus did when He was asked about marriage and divorce (Matthew 19:1-11). So, let’s get started!
The last few weeks, we discussed the characteristics or qualities of a godly man and husband. Then, we will delve into what a man must do to be a godly man and/ or husband and reviewed some of the things that women can do to support men on their journey to growth. This week, we will continue discussing the characteristics of a godly woman as it pertains to Proverbs 31! Let’s go!
Proverbs Chapter 31 is King Lemuel’s recollection of the wisdom his mother gave him. There isn’t much about King Lemuel apart from this chapter. However, I believe it is important to note the following:
This chapter is full of lessons regarding women, by a woman to her son.
The name Lemuel means “dedicated to God” or “devoted to God”.
King Lemuel’s mother’s guidance affected him so much that he recites it in this chapter in, which shows a little of his character.
King Lemuel’s mother is guiding him on what to look for in a wife, who will be eventually be his queen.
Read the scripture below.
Proverbs 31 demystifies so many myths of what encompasses the good woman (Christian woman). Here are just a few.
Being a Christian woman means that her value comes from being a wife and mom.
Christian women are to always be quiet, meek, and submissive because they are less than men.
Women are not supposed to think for themselves or use their brain for anything industrious or intellectual.
Good wives should stay at home with the kids.
A woman’s focus should be on marriage.
A Christian woman should not be fashionable or take pride in her appearance.
A Christian woman must live a bland life.
A Christian woman must consume herself with being a Christian woman.
A shadow is habitually cast on women in scripture as weak, or of lesser value than the men of the Bible, which is still prevalent in today’s culture. It is one of the main reasons why women are still woefully objectified in a cheapening way and why many of them settle for this type of treatment. That is one reason Proverbs 31 is so important. God took the time to emphasize the intention of His creation, the woman, because of His love for women. We can go even further. It is notated that Proverbs 31 is the reminiscence of King Lemuel recalling impactful wisdom from his mother (a woman) about discerning a good woman when he was younger. This woman raised a king named Lemuel (Hebrew meaning Devoted to God). A woman’s wisdom affected the life of a king. God could have left that out, but He did not. Think about that.
A Good Woman Is Compassionate.
Do you know the difference between having compassion and feeling sorry for someone? Feeling sorry for someone does not benefit anyone because you are not doing anything to help. Having compassion for someone means that you see a person in need and take actions to help. An example of feeling sorry for someone would be seeing a homeless person
outside with a t-shirt on in the winter time. You can drive by that person and say, “Aww, that poor man must be freezing!” Having compassion for that same homeless man is recognizing his immediate needs and going to your house or a nearby store to get him a warm blanket, a sweater, socks, warm food, and hot chocolate. Compassion requires godly sacrifice, which means it is an action word. According to God, this woman sees a need and does what she can to fulfill that need. To show compassion, an individual is required to sacrifice energy, time, emotions, and/or resources, just as God constantly does for us. The ultimate example of this is how God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross to pay for, not His sins, but OUR sins. So, a good woman is a compassionate person, which means she is generous to others in need. She looks for ways to help others. Read the scripture below.
A Good Woman is Smart, Enterprising, and Wise.
Intelligent, innovative, business minded, industrious: The scripture says that a good woman is into real estate and investments. She makes investments with the money that she works to generate to help support her family and expand their territory. She is capable of making important business decisions, which means she has to be knowledgeable about business, money, and a good education. In fact, she has her own business. She makes and sell clothes to other merchants, which means she has established a factory! This type of success requires an understanding of business and investing. She works well with others and people can see Christ in her because the Love of Jesus is in her. She also thrives in leadership roles because she is disciplined and leads by example, which is a paramount criteria of a good leader. Not only is this woman more valuable than gems, she drops gems from her mouth. She is wise. Read the scriptures below.
A God Woman is Strong, Dignified, and Joyful.
It may seem strange that I put these characteristics together (Strong and dignified with joyful), but bear with me. The scriptures says that she is clothed with dignity and strength. The term “dignity” derives from the Latin term “dignus,” which means “worthy.” It can also be defined as regal and majesty. It is interesting that the term “strength” can be defined as potent, power, influence, force, support, and asset, which are the requirements of the Hebrew “‘ezer kenegdo,” “the helpmeet” (a better translation - a counterpart to the man; alongside the man) that God created in the BLUEPRINT of the woman (Eve). What is even more interesting is the phrase, “clothed with.” When an individual is clothed with something, he or she is dressed, covered, draped, wrapped, or wearing something. Remember, God is our creator, and we are concentrating on the woman. Notice what God used to clothe the woman. He used Himself. God is strength. He is Omnipotent. God is dignity. He is sovereign as He is King over all kings. In the same sentence, this verse also says that this woman laughs at the days to come, which implies that the reason why she can laugh is because of what she is “clothed with,” God’s strength and dignity. Remember, joy and happiness are completely different. Happiness is an emotion based on the circumstances or outside factors. Joy is a choice. It is a decision to trust God in every circumstance. Joy is fundamental to God’s nature as it is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Emotions are temporary. Joy is a quiet confidence in God. Therefore, this woman has joy because she has God, moreover, God has her. Read the scriptures below.
A Good Woman Has Self-Control.
This is self-explanatory. So, let’s just list as many examples or actions that exhibits this woman’s self-control as we can. There are so many, I’m sure we may miss a few.
Emotional Intelligence – She brings him (her husband) good, not harm, all the days of her life. (~ Proverbs 31:12)
Hard Worker – She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. (~ Proverbs 31:13) She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. (~ Proverbs 31:17)
Doesn’t take shortcuts – She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. (~ Proverbs 31:14)
Early riser; provider; dependable – She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. (~ Proverbs 31:15)
Researcher; Investor; Budgeteer – She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. (~ Proverbs 31:16)
Doesn’t get complacent – She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. (~ Proverbs 31:18)
Humility; Not Greedy – She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. (~Proverbs 31:20)
Observant; Manages; Not Lazy – She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. (~Proverbs 31:27)
Notice that nearly every verse requires self-control, another fruit of the Spirit. In fact. Review Galatians 5:22-23 again. You will find that every fruit of the Spirit is exhibited in this scripture.
She is a mother.
Keep in mind, you do not physically have to have a baby to be a mother. You do not have to adopt or foster children to be a mother to someone. Here is a list of other examples.
Godmother / Mother-like: Friend, Mentor, or Friend of the family
Step-mother
Biological Aunt / Aunt-like: Friend, Mentor, or Friend of the family
Biological Grandmother / Grandmother-like: Friend, Mentor, or Friend of the family
Spiritual mother: A mother that gives spiritual guidance
Other: Mentor / Role Model
A mother’s most important roles are to Love, connect with, care for, nurture, and encourage. Notice that birthing is not found anywhere on this list. Having a uterus to carry and incubate a baby is one of God’s beautiful miracles and a precious gift. Still, God designed motherhood as a privilege and gift as well. Read the scripture below.
The Proverbs 31 Woman is Fashionable and Pays Attention to Detail.
She makes bed coverings. This does not seem like anything, but think of the time in which this was written. The original “bed” was just a place next to a wall on a dirt floor. Then, mats were placed on the floor as “beds.” Later (around this period), the bed was constructed or elevated above the floor. Bed coverings were an added detail that gave a heightened appearance of civility and luxury. The Proverbs 31 woman created luxury in her home.
Not only does she create nobility in her home through design, but she also portrays a stately appearance. She dresses in fine linen and purple. Purple dye was expensive and difficult to make in the Bible days. The color purple symbolizes royalty, wisdom, and respect. Why do you think she wears such things? Why do you think she makes bed coverings for her bed? Do you think it is to keep up with other people? Is it to act like she is something that she is not? Is it to brag and to feel like she and her family are better than other families? No. We already know that she is not above hard work. The scripture says that she lacks nothing of value. This woman knows her worth, values her family, and everyone around her. She wears such things because she knows that she is royalty because she is a child of the Most-High God, Who has blessed her with the resources and gifts to make her own bed coverings and clothes out of purple and fine linen. Read the scripture below.
She is Whole.
God is Omniscient, meaning, He is all knowing. He is our Source; His reach is infinite and He completes everything He starts. So, when He created us, even before we were born, God had already equipped us purpose, gifts, and everything else we would need to carry out what we are meant to do for God’s glory. It is emphasized that this woman in Proverbs 31 lack nothing of value. The truth is that none of us do because of who created us. God is perfect in every way and does not make mistakes. The difference is that this woman knows this and utilizes all that God has given her. Read the scripture below.
(Proverbs 31 Woman): The Invitation.
Finally, I must mention verse 21. Read it below.
At first glance, this seemed like another example of how this woman kept her household clothed and warm. I asked, “Why would He choose to emphasize this again after He has already included fine linens and purple dye?” Then, the Holy Spirit began to speak. Look at the juxtaposition of snow (white) and scarlet (red). Snow symbolizes purity, to purge, and to purify. Snowfall can carry away and clean pollutants in the air. Red symbolizes the blood of Christ. Remember, the statement “The blood of Jesus will make us white as snow.” God sacrificed His pure, sinless Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for Our sins so that His blood will cover us and pay the debt we could never repay. Christ’s blood gives us the opportunity to receive Salvation. We must make the decision to accept it. All who have accepted The Invitation to Salvation will live eternally in the Kingdom of God. All who does not will experience eternal damnation in darkness. That is what this verse is referring to. The Proverbs 31 woman is not fearful when it snows or when purification comes (Judgement Day). Not just her, not just her family, but her entire household (servants and all) are covered with scarlet, the blood of Jesus Christ. Can you say the same? Are you covered? Is your household clothed in scarlet, the blood of Jesus Christ? How about your family and friends? It is their decision, but have you proclaimed this significant opportunity to them? Well, let’s start with you. Read the scripture below.
PAUSE...We want to hear for you!
Do you (or your wife) have the qualities of the woman described in Proverbs 31?
Yes, I have the qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman.
I have some of the qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman.
No, I do not have the qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman.
Yes, my wife has the qualities of the Proverbs 31 woman.
If you have not accepted God as Your Lord and Savior, because you need more information about salvation to make your decision, please take the FREE mini course THE INVITATION. Just click the "I Need More Info" button below. It will give you a detailed explanation on why salvation is necessary, how to become saved, and the next step after you accept The Invitation.
If you haven’t accepted GOD’S INVITATION OF SALVATION and want to do so now, earnestly pray this prayer:
God,
I know You love me. I believe You died and rose from the dead for my sins. Please forgive me for my sins. I give you my heart and soul. Please be my Savior and Lord. Transform me. I desire to align with Your Will. Thank you for Your faithfulness and Your Love.
It is in Jesus’s name I pray.
Amen.
All of heaven rejoices when one person accepts THE INVITATION to salvation.
~ Luke 15:10
CONGRATULATIONS!
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